2008 Charity Poker Event

The third annual Congressional Award Charity Poker Tournament was held on July 23rd at the Capitol Hill Hyatt in Washington, DC.  Special guest Phil Ivey, scored the first place title after competing with over 150 Members of Congress, Chiefs of Staff and business leaders from across the country – all in the name of charity. 

Congressman Jim McDermott (WA 07) joins other Members of Congress and Congressional Staff to support the Congressional Award at the Charity Poker Event.		Elizabeth Anderson of Wal-Mart and National Board Member Dan Scherder get excited about the prospect of knocking out Phil Ivy!

Winner of five Tournament bracelets, Phil Ivey has become a major player in the World Series of Poker Main Event.  Phil won his first World Series of Poker Title at age 23, making him one of the youngest players in the World Series of Poker Tournament.  In February 2008, Phil took home the first-place prize in the World Poker Tour.  Mr. Ivey is committed to giving back to the community by donating portions of his winnings to various philanthropic efforts. 

National Board Member Kathy Didawick of BlueCross BlueShield thanks Phil Ivey for his participation in this year's Charity Poker Event.		National Board Member Jeff Fried with 5-Time WSP Braclet Winner Phil Ivey and Dr. Brian K. Johnson of Montgomery College.

Each year the Congressional Award Foundation hosts this charity tournament to help raise awareness of the program.  We are thankful to all of our sponsors for supporting this event, especially 2008 Title Sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

Special Guest Steve Dannenmann, 2005 World Series of Poker Runner-Up, joins John Ryan of Bristol-Myers Squibb and Elizabeth Ryan to promote the Congressional Award.		Senator John Ensign of Nevada "ups the ante."

House Majority Whip James Clyburn and John Clyburn watch as Phil Ivey and Elizabeth Anderson survey the flop.		Congressman Joseph Crowley and Jill Dowell of AHIP show their support for America's Youth.